Gifted: Advancing the Kingdom – “Discipleship: The Simplicity and Purity of Devotion” – Chapter 5

In the last chapter, we talked about having the indwelling power of The Holy Spirit, who raised Jesus from the dead. We also talked about how we see the indication of that through the various evidences or “fruit” of The Spirit. In this chapter, we’ll talk about spiritual gifts that we gain by having God’s powerful Spirit within us.

The Bible has several explicit lists of different spiritual gifts. Many scholars believe that these lists aren’t meant to be exhaustive, especially since the different lists don’t entirely match each other. Others believe that they are meant to be categorical lists of “motivational” grace expressions, situational Spirit manifestations, and church roles or functions. Others even say that some aren’t lists of gifts but of gifted persons given to serve functional roles. There may be some truth to all of that, but I will be presenting them as a single concept. Here are the main lists:

• Romans 12:6–8
• 1 Corinthians 12:8–10
• 1 Corinthians 12:28–30
• Ephesians 4:11

We all may experience different aspects of these gifts along our Christian journey, as they are all to some extent part of what it means to be a Christian. We also may experience some of the gifts in our lives, as the Holy Spirit uses them to accomplish something through us for a specific situation. But, we will usually gravitate toward two or three specific ones more often than not, as they become part of our God-appointed spiritual identity of how we’re known and how we function within the body.

Taking a spiritual gifts test is helpful for determining which gifts most closely match with you. This is often a good starting place, but it should be followed up by a discussion with God to see what He has to say for you. Meanwhile, these gifts are so diverse and nuanced that they could each easily be a book of their own, but I will give a brief description of them here, talk more about general concepts with gifts, and then cover them individually on a high level later in this chapter.

Support Gifts

• Apostleship – Church-planting and overseeing of multiple churches
• Giving – Deploying resources wisely and joyfully
• Leadership / Administration – Organizing people and managing operations
• Mercy – Deep compassion for the hurting through caregiving and counseling
• Pastor / Shepherd – Guiding and nurturing believers
• Service – Meeting needs and keeping things functioning smoothly

Communication Gifts

• Evangelism – Effectively communicating the victorious news (gospel) to unbelievers
• Exhortation – Seeking godly balance and encouraging people
• Teaching – Making God’s truth understandable and transferable
• Tongues (Speaking) – Speaking in unlearned languages
• Tongues (Interpretation) – Translating and explaining the meaning of other languages

Revelatory Gifts

• Discernment of Spirits – Recognizing spiritual sources (angelic or demonic)
• Prophecy – Speaking God-given messages of correction or revelation
• Word of Knowledge – Providing God-given facts about situations and circumstances
• Word of Wisdom – Providing God-given insight for decisions

Power Gifts

• Faith – Extraordinary confidence in God’s power
• Healing – Restoring physical and emotional health to people
• Miracles – Performing inexplicable feats beyond natural limits

Just like the fruit of The Spirit, these gifts aren’t something that you force to happen, they’re part of who God created you to be. Sometimes you see glimpses of these gifts throughout your entire life and they’re further strengthened after being saved. Other times, they are brand new, only appearing after The Holy Spirit enters you at salvation. Like the verse below says, “God works in different ways.”

1 Corinthians 12:4–7 (NLT ’15)

^[4] There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. ^[5] There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. ^[6] God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. ^[7] A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Many people may think of these gifts as being given to us from God, but really they are from God and given through us, “so we can help each other.” Or, as the Legacy Standard Bible translation puts it, “to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for what is profitable.” This is why it is often simply called a “manifestation” when these spiritual gifts are demonstrated in a powerful way. This isn’t the new age “manifestation” of “bringing something into existence by wanting it enough.” No. It’s “clear evidence that proves something beyond a shadow of a doubt.” It’s the Light shining through you because He is inside you (Matthew 5:14–16).

You may also hear of these spiritual gifts referred to as “grace-gifts” in some circles. This is because the original Greek word is “charisma” and means “a granted grace.” These gifts are both to be received and to be given. To put it another way, we only have them by the grace of God, but so that we can extend that grace to others.

Romans 12:4–6 (NLT ’15)

^[4] Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, ^[5] so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. ^[6] In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

The concept of spiritual gifts identifying each of us individually as distinct body parts is a theme reemphasized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 and again in his letter to the Ephesians. It shows that these gifts are for advancing The Kingdom by drawing in others, helping each other grow, and demonstrating God’s love to all.

Ephesians 4:12–13, 16 (NLT ’15)

^[12] Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ^[13] This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. … ^[16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Sometimes God builds on what He formed in us from birth. Many Christian leaders have had leadership tendencies early in life. Someone may have deep compassion from childhood. This “makes sense” in the natural world and is certainly a way that God operates.

Other times, however, God deliberately chooses what we lack so His power is unmistakable. For example, Paul was a “Hebrew of Hebrews” (Philippians 3:5) and yet he was called to minister to non-Hebrew Gentiles. Also, Peter was an uneducated fisherman from Galilee (Acts 4:13) and he was called to minister to highly educated Hebrews. God didn’t waste their upbringing, He redirected it for His glory. In these instances, He deliberately chooses what you lack so that when fruit comes, no one can mistake the source.

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (NLT ’15)

^[27] Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. ^[28] God chose things despised by the world,^§ things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. ^[29] As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 1:28 Or God chose those who are low born.

We must go where He sends us and do what He tells us, regardless of our natural temperament. When gifting aligns with natural ability, it reveals design, but we must guard against pride. When gifting contradicts natural ability, it reveals dependence, but we must guard against insecurity. The gift points back to The Father, flows through The Son, and is activated by The Holy Spirit.

An administration is the specific service or ministry through which a gift operates (1 Corinthians 12:5). Think of it like a sub-category for the gift. For example, most people think of teaching as lecturing in front of a class. However, you could have a gift of teaching, but an administration of writing. Others teach well in one-on-one or small groups, but not crowds. Same gift, but different administrations.

A calling is the sphere or assignment for using your gifts. It answers the question, “What is God drawing me to?” For example, you may have the gift of evangelism and the administration of one-on-one relational evangelism, but your calling could be for high schools, business executives, or overseas in Zimbabwe.

Ephesians 4:1–3 (NLT ’15)

^[1] Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. ^[2] Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. ^[3] Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

Even when aligned, just because God has given you gifts, it doesn’t mean that you’re “God’s gift” to that ministry. Spiritual gifts are not self-generated talents, but are expressions of the Spirit of God working through believers. At the same time, someone can have a gift or calling, be out of alignment, and God can still work through them. One of the clearest example of this is when the High Priest Caiaphas prophesied about Jesus dying for sinners. Yes, Caiaphas wanted Jesus dead, but God still enabled him to speak a true prophecy simply because he held the office of high priest.

John 11:48–53 (LSB)

^[48] If we let [Jesus] go on like this, all will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” ^[49] But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, ^[50] nor do you take into account that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” ^[51] Now he did not say this from himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, ^[52] and not for the nation only, but in order that He might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. ^[53] So from that day on they planned together to kill Him.

The point is that God doesn’t retract grace because of our failures. Apart from Jesus, God always chooses flawed vessels to magnify His own glory. So, ministry roles can change, administrations can shift, fruitfulness can increase or decrease, even offices can be added or removed; but God doesn’t abandon what He initiates (Philippians 1:6).

Romans 11:29 (LSB)

^[29] for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Each gift has a positive side and a negative side. Or better yet, they have an aligned side and a misaligned side, as briefly mentioned in the previous section. By this, I mean that when you are in alignment with The Holy Spirit, it operates well. But at the same time, if you drift out of Spirit-Body unity and into self, the gift gets out of balance and distorted.

When aligned with The Holy Spirit, a prophetic gift strengthens, corrects, and encourages others (1 Corinthians 14:3). When misaligned, it controls through false “God told me” statements that are actually their own opinions, or they shift dependence onto themselves instead of God (Colossians 2:18). When leadership is aligned, it serves and protects, takes responsibility, and recognizes they’re an authority that’s under authority (Mark 10:42–43; Matthew 8:9). Out of alignment, a leader becomes a dictator, micromanager, and protects their position over people. An aligned teacher clarifies truth, faithfully explains Scripture, and patiently builds understanding. A misaligned teacher arrogantly shows off knowledge, argues instead of edifies, and misuses Scripture for personal gain (1 Corinthians 8:1; Titus 3:8–9).

Sometimes this alignment issue isn’t blatantly wrong though, as much as it’s a subtle shift. Think of the truths of God as an intricately-woven tapestry. A teacher out of balance may see a single thread only, chasing it down further and further, but disregarding the other threads. A prophet out of balance may see a glimpse of one part of the tapestry and assume it’s the whole picture (1 Corinthians 13:9–10). A person with the gift of serving may find their identity in serving instead of Christ, then end up serving out of their own strength instead of God’s.

1 Peter 4:10–11 (LSB)

^[10] As each one has received a gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God— ^[11] whoever speaks, ^§as one speaking the oracles of God; whoever serves, as one serving ^§by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.

1 Peter 4:11a Lit as utterances
1 Peter 4:11b Lit from

Sometimes you’ll see things that you’re not supposed to act upon. This is the “nature of the gift.” It’s like a medical professional seeing a person in the street and having an idea of their problem, but not having the person as a patient. They are not in a legal or relational position to treat that person. To intervene without invitation could cause harm … even if the diagnosis is correct!

It’s important to remember that it’s God who does the sending. Even Jesus, God’s Son, didn’t act independently of The Father’s direction.

John 5:19–20 (NLT ’15)

^[19] So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. ^[20] For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.

This is the perfect picture of unison. Spiritual gifting often includes perception (discernment, insight, sensitivity), but action requires commission (authority, delegation, appointment). So, you may see an unmet need, a wound in someone’s heart, a pattern of sin, etc. But seeing isn’t automatically permission to speak or intervene. In fact, sometimes God may allow you to see things like this, and when you ask what He wants you to do with it, the answer can be “pray,” “wait,” or even “nothing.” The key here is not working out of personal instinct but in unison with God’s will in the moment.

A shepherd feels emotional pain in a room. An evangelist sees lostness in every conversation. A server constantly sees unmet needs. Regardless, accuracy without assignment can cause even deeper wounds. Discernment without relationship can feel invasive, especially if they haven’t been given the ears to hear it yet.

The discerned information isn’t always a “green light” to act. The gift, timing, and activation all belong to God through The Holy Spirit. Always be willing. Always be looking for opportunities. But even more so, always be listening to where God is leading. Love and obedience decide when the potential of a gift becomes action. It’s not doing all possible work, but doing the work given by God.

Proverbs 25:11 (LSB)

^[11] Like apples of gold in settings of silver
Is a word spoken in ^§right circumstances.

Proverbs 25:11 Lit its

Proverbs 27:14 (LSB)

^[14] He who blesses his friend with a loud voice early in the morning,
It will be counted as a curse to him.

Now that we’ve covered the general concepts around spiritual gifts, let’s take a closer look at each one. These aren’t exhaustive theological breakdowns, but rather a snapshot to help you recognize how each gift operates when it’s aligned with The Holy Spirit, what it looks like when it drifts out of alignment, plus a few commonly associated administrations and callings. Finally, each one ends with a “life verse” that may not be directly referencing that gift, but resonates well with it.

Apostleship

The word “apostle” comes from the Greek “apostolos,” meaning “one who is sent.” At its core, the gift of apostleship is about being sent by God to establish something new for His Kingdom. In the New Testament, apostles planted churches, set foundations, and appointed leaders (Titus 1:5). Then, they moved on to do it again somewhere else, staying in contact to provide continued direction. Think of it as spiritual pioneering.

The New Testament distinguishes between “the twelve apostles” and the broader function of apostleship. While the twelve held a unique and unrepeatable foundational role, Scripture names other apostles—including Barnabas (Acts 14:14)—who were sent to pioneer and strengthen the Church. Some claim that the gift of apostleship requires that someone must have witnessed Jesus’ resurrection, but that criteria was about replacing Judas (Acts 1:21–22), not a condition for apostleship. The gift of apostleship doesn’t authorize someone to “write new Scripture” or hold the same authority as “the twelve apostles,” but they see what doesn’t exist yet and feel a God-given burden to build it. It’s less about a title and more about a divine commission to advance and establish the gospel where it has not yet taken root.

When aligned with The Holy Spirit, apostleship is bold and sacrificial. It crosses cultural, geographic, and social barriers to bring the gospel where it hasn’t gone (Romans 15:20). It raises up leaders instead of creating dependency. But when misaligned, apostleship can become empire-building. The pioneering spirit turns into territorial control, and the desire to establish becomes a need to dominate. An out-of-balance apostle demands loyalty to themselves rather than pointing people to Christ.

Common administrations include: church planting, missions work, launching ministries, and overseeing networks of churches or leaders. Common callings include: unreached people groups, urban centers without gospel presence, and institutional settings that need fresh Kingdom foundations.

1 Corinthians 3:10–11 (NLT ’15)

^[10] Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. ^[11] For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.

Giving

Giving as a spiritual gift goes far beyond generosity. Most Christians are called to be generous, but someone with this gift has a God-given ability to see resources, steward them wisely, and distribute them with remarkable joy and strategic precision. They often sense exactly where and when their giving will make the greatest Kingdom impact, whether individually or corporately. It’s not about having a lot of money either, as some of the most powerful givers have modest incomes but extraordinary faith in how they release what they have.

When aligned, giving is sacrificial and Spirit-led. It flows freely without strings attached, trusts God as the ultimate provider, and often happens quietly without fanfare. When misaligned, giving becomes a tool for control or personal glory. The giver expects influence, recognition, or loyalty in return. Out of balance, this gift can also manifest as hoarding disguised as “stewardship,” where the fear of losing resources overrides the joy of releasing them.

Common administrations include: financial support for missionaries and ministries, meeting practical needs for individuals, funding building projects, and resource management. Common callings include: supporting persecuted believers, funding church plants or mission trips, community development, and crisis relief.

2 Corinthians 9:10–11 (NLT ’15)

^[10] For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity^§ in you. ^[11] Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

2 Corinthians 9:10 Greek righteousness.

Leadership / Administration

The gift of leadership/administration is the Spirit-given ability to organize people, cast vision, and manage operations so that the body of Christ functions effectively. A leader doesn’t demand followers, their Spirit-aligned leadership attracts followers. The original Greek word used for this in 1 Corinthians 12:28 literally means “to steer a ship.” A leader doesn’t generate the wind (that’s The Holy Spirit), but they do set the sails and hold the rudder as God directs.

When aligned, this gift serves and protects. It takes responsibility, delegates well, and recognizes that being in authority means being under authority. An aligned leader sees themself as a servant first, responsible to God for the people entrusted to them. When misaligned, leadership becomes dictatorship. The rudder gets locked in one direction. Micromanagement replaces trust, position gets protected over people, and vision becomes “my vision” instead of “God’s vision.”

Common administrations include: organizational management, strategic planning, team coordination, event logistics, and overseeing ministries. Common callings include: church operations, para-church organizations, community outreach coordination, and mission trip logistics.

Nehemiah 2:17–18 (NLT ’15)

^[17] But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” ^[18] Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.

Mercy

This gift is a deep, Spirit-given compassion that moves a person toward those who are hurting, broken, or marginalized. It’s not sympathy from a distance, but it’s sitting down in the ashes of despair with someone and staying there with them until healing begins. The person with this gift is often drawn to hospitals, prisons, grief support, and anywhere people are suffering.

When aligned, mercy reflects the heart of God beautifully. It provides comfort without conditions, listens without rushing to fix, and creates safe spaces for people to be honest about their pain. When misaligned, mercy can become enabling. Compassion without truth allows destructive patterns to continue unchecked. An out-of-balance mercy gift may also avoid necessary confrontation because it prioritizes comfort over growth, or it may absorb so much of others’ pain that the person burns out entirely.

Common administrations include: counseling, hospital and hospice visitation, grief ministry, foster care and adoption advocacy, and addiction recovery support. Common callings include: the elderly, the homeless, abuse survivors, those battling mental health challenges, and the incarcerated.

Luke 10:33–34 (NLT ’15)

^[33] “Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. ^[34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.

Pastor / Shepherd

The gift of pastoring is often confused with the professional role of “pastor,” but the gift itself is much broader than a title or position. The original Greek word means “shepherd,” and it captures exactly what this gift looks like: someone who feeds, protects, guides, and stays with the flock. A person with this gift feels a deep sense of responsibility for the spiritual well-being of others. They notice when someone drifts away, and they go looking for them.

When aligned, this gift nurtures growth patiently. It balances truth and grace, corrects gently, and creates environments where people feel known and cared for. The shepherd walks with people through seasons of growth and struggle alike. When misaligned, pastoring can become possessive, enabling, or controlling. The shepherd starts to see people as “my flock” rather than God’s. Boundaries blur, and the shepherd may either become a people-pleaser who avoids hard conversations, or stunts the growth of people under their care by being overprotective.

Common administrations include: small group leadership, discipleship, mentoring, pastoral care visits, and new believer follow-up. Common callings include: local church congregations, campus ministries, workplace faith communities, and online discipleship groups.

1 Peter 5:2–3 (NLT ’15)

^[2] Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. ^[3] Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.

Service

The gift of service is the quiet engine that keeps the body of Christ running. Someone with this gift sees unmet needs that others walk right past, and feels compelled to assist in some way. They’re the ones setting up chairs before anyone arrives, staying late to clean up, fixing things that are broken, and handling logistics so that others can focus on their callings. The Greek word is “diakonia,” which simply means “service” or “ministry,” and it’s the same root word from which we get “deacon.”

When aligned, service is joyful, faithful, and Holy Spirit strengthened. It doesn’t need recognition or applause. It operates out of love for God and His people, finding deep satisfaction in enabling others to do their work well. When misaligned, service can become resentment as the servant starts keeping score with statements like, “I do everything around here and no one notices or helps.” Identity shifts from Christ to the work itself, and exhaustion replaces joy. Out of balance, a server may also struggle to say “no,” operating in their own strength by taking on burdens that God never assigned (1 Peter 4:10–11).

Common administrations include: facility maintenance, event setup, meal preparation, administrative support, and technical operations. Common callings include: church operations, disaster relief, community service projects, and supporting missionaries on the field.

Colossians 3:23–24 (NLT ’15)

^[23] Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ^[24] Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.^§

Colossians 3:24 Or and serve Christ as your Master.

Evangelism

The gift of evangelism is the Spirit-given ability to communicate the gospel in a way that makes it accessible and compelling to those who haven’t heard it or haven’t yet responded. While every believer is called to share their faith, someone with this gift has a unique effectiveness in doing so. They naturally steer conversations toward eternal things without it feeling forced. They see people through the lens of their need for a Savior, and they carry an urgency about it that comes from The Holy Spirit, not guilt.

When aligned, evangelism is bold yet sensitive. It reads the room, meets people where they are, and presents the truth of Jesus with both conviction and compassion. When misaligned, evangelism can become aggressive or manipulative, pressuring decisions rather than presenting truth. It can reduce the gospel to a sales pitch, prioritizing “closing the deal” over genuine relationship. An out-of-balance evangelist may also neglect discipleship entirely, always moving on to the next person without helping new believers grow, creating a spiritual orphanage.

Common administrations include: one-on-one conversations, public speaking, street outreach, digital media, and friendship evangelism. Common callings include: college campuses, workplaces, international missions, prisons, and community events.

Romans 10:14–15 (NLT ’15)

^[14] But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? ^[15] And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

Exhortation

The gift of exhortation is the Spirit-given ability to come alongside others and encourage godly balance. The original Greek word means “to call near” or “to come alongside.” Someone with this gift doesn’t just say “everything will be okay,” but also doesn’t just say “get it together.” Instead, they bring a word that is both uplifting and challenging, exactly suited to what the person needs at that moment.

When aligned, exhortation strengthens resolve, restores hope, and gently redirects people back toward God’s path. It sees the potential in people even when they can’t see it themselves. When misaligned, this gift can become nagging or manipulative. The exhorter starts pushing their own agenda rather than listening for God’s. It can also swing toward toxic positivity, where hard truths get smoothed over with empty encouragement that avoids the real issue.

Common administrations include: counseling, mentoring, motivational speaking, writing, and small group facilitation. Common callings include: addiction recovery, marriage ministry, leadership development, and youth ministry.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT ’15)

^[14] Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

Teaching

The gift of teaching is the Spirit-given ability to take the truths of God and make them understandable, applicable to the Christian walk, and teachable to others. Someone with this gift has a deep hunger for accuracy and a passion for helping others see what Scripture actually says. A good teacher doesn’t just transfer information, but they ignite curiosity and build conviction.

When aligned, teaching clarifies truth faithfully, builds understanding patiently, and equips believers to study Scripture on their own. When misaligned, teaching becomes spiritually dead, arrogant intellectualism. Knowledge puffs up instead of building up (1 Corinthians 8:1). The teacher argues instead of edifying and may use Scripture out of context to prove personal opinions, rather than letting Scripture speak for itself.

Common administrations include: classroom instruction, writing, curriculum development, one-on-one mentoring, and Bible study leadership. Common callings include: local churches, seminaries, online platforms, youth ministry, and workplace Bible studies.

2 Timothy 2:14–15 (LSB)

^[14] Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. ^[15] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

Tongues: Speaking

The gift of tongues is the ability to speak in languages unknown to the speaker for the purpose of prayer, praise, or delivering a message inspired by God. In Acts 2, this manifested as known human languages understood by foreign visitors in Jerusalem. Whereas in 1 Corinthians 14, tongues function both as personal communion with God and as a message that strengthens the gathered church.

When aligned, tongues cultivate intimacy with God, deepen spiritual sensitivity, and build up the inner life of the believer. They operate from surrender, not striving. In corporate settings, when paired with interpretation, tongues bring edification and unity rather than confusion. When misaligned, this gift can become performative or divisive. It often gets elevated above other gifts as a badge of spiritual superiority, where a person relies on the experience itself, rather than continuing to grow in character and obedience.

Common administrations include: personal prayer and intercession, corporate worship, and prophetic messages (when paired with interpretation). Common callings include: prayer ministries, intercessory teams, worship settings, and missionary contexts where language barriers exist.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (NLT ’15)

^[1] If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

1 Corinthians 14:2 (NLT ’15)

^[2] For if you have the ability to speak in tongues,^§ you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit,^§ but it will all be mysterious.

1 Corinthians 14:2a Or in unknown languages; also in 1 Corinthians 14:4, 5, 13, 14, 18, 22, 26, 27, 28, 39.
1 Corinthians 14:2b Or speaking in your spirit.

Tongues: Interpretation

The gift of interpretation of tongues is the Spirit-given ability to translate and explain the meaning of a message spoken in another language so that those around can benefit from it. When someone speaks in a tongue that isn’t understood, the interpreter renders the message intelligible so that the entire body of Christ may be strengthened by it (1 Corinthians 14:5).

When aligned, interpretation brings clarity, edification, and confirmation to the church. It faithfully conveys what’s given by God, completing the communication loop so that His message reaches the people it’s intended for. When misaligned, interpretation can become fabrication, where someone offers their own thoughts disguised as divine translation. It can also become performative, drawing attention to the interpreter rather than to the God who’s speaking.

Common administrations include: interpretation during worship services, prayer meetings, and street ministries. Common callings include: local church worship settings, intercessory prayer teams, and cross-cultural ministry environments.

1 Corinthians 14:16–17, 19 (NLT ’15)

^[16] For if you praise God only in the spirit, how can those who don’t understand you praise God along with you? How can they join you in giving thanks when they don’t understand what you are saying? ^[17] You will be giving thanks very well, but it won’t strengthen the people who hear you. … ^[19] But in a church meeting I would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words in an unknown language.

Discernment of Spirits

The gift of discernment of spirits is the ability to recognize the spiritual source behind a situation, teaching, behavior, or atmosphere. Someone with this gift can sense when something is “off” even when everything looks fine on the surface. They perceive the difference between what is from God, what is from the enemy, and what is simply from human emotion or opinion.

When aligned, discernment protects the body of Christ. It identifies deception before it takes root, recognizes demonic influence that masquerades as something good, and confirms when The Holy Spirit is genuinely at work. When misaligned, discernment becomes suspicion. The person starts seeing demons behind every disagreement and becomes a self-appointed watchdog who tears down rather than protects. An out-of-balance discerner may also become spiritually paranoid, living in fear rather than operating in the authority that Christ has given.

Common administrations include: prayer ministry, deliverance ministry, leadership counsel, worship team oversight, and evaluating teachings. Common callings include: church leadership teams, intercessory prayer, counseling ministries, and ministry to those in spiritual bondage.

1 John 4:1 (NLT ’15)

^[1] Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.

Prophecy

Those with a prophetic gifting receive and deliver messages from God for the purpose of edification, correction, and encouragement (1 Corinthians 14:3). This doesn’t always mean predicting the future, though it can. More often, it means speaking a timely word from God that addresses a present situation with divine perspective. A prophet sees from God’s vantage point and communicates what needs to be heard, not necessarily what people want to hear (Numbers 22:18–19; 23:25–26). They frequently present “line in the sand” statements, often built around the word, “IF.”

When aligned, prophecy brings correction that heals, direction that clarifies, and encouragement that strengthens. It always points people toward God and aligns with Scripture. When misaligned, prophecy becomes controlling. “God told me” becomes a weapon to silence disagreement or manipulate decisions. An out-of-balance prophet may confuse their own opinions or emotions with divine revelation, or they may deliver truth without love, cutting people down instead of building them up.

Common administrations include: speaking during worship gatherings, personal prophetic words, intercessory prayer, writing, and creative arts. Common callings include: church leadership, prophetic teams, and marketplace ministry.

2 Chronicles 7:14–15 (NLT ’15)

^[14] [God:] “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. ^[15] My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to every prayer made in this place.”

Word of Knowledge

The word of knowledge gift allows someone to receive specific facts about a person, situation, or circumstance that could not have been known through natural means. This isn’t finely honed observation skills, but a supernatural download of information from God for a specific moment and purpose. In the Gospels, Jesus demonstrated this repeatedly, knowing people’s thoughts, histories, and conditions before they told Him (John 4:17–18; Luke 19:5).

When aligned, a word of knowledge opens doors that nothing else can. It builds faith because it proves that God truly sees and knows. It validates someone’s hidden pain or secret struggle in a way that makes them feel seen by their Creator. When misaligned, this gift becomes gossip fuel or judgmental. Information gets shared without authorization or used to gain influence.

Common administrations include: prayer ministry, pastoral counseling, and personal encouragement. Common callings include: healing ministry, evangelistic outreach, prophetic teams, and pastoral care.

Proverbs 20:5 (LSB)

^[5] Counsel in the heart of a man is like deep water,
But a man of discernment draws it out.

Word of Wisdom

The gift of the word of wisdom is the Spirit-given ability to receive divine insight for decisions, situations, or conflicts that require more than human reasoning can provide. If the word of knowledge reveals what is, the word of wisdom reveals what to do about it. This gift often shows up at critical crossroads where the right path forward isn’t obvious. Solomon’s famous judgment between the two women claiming the same baby (1 Kings 3:16–28) is a vivid example of this gift in action.

When aligned, wisdom brings clarity to confusion, peace to conflict, and direction to decisions that seem impossible. It cuts through complexity and reveals a simple, God-honoring path. When misaligned, the person starts trusting their own wisdom more than God’s, giving advice without prayer, and positioning themselves as the indispensable “wise one” that everyone must consult. Out of balance, it can also become paralyzing, where the person waits for a “word” before making any decision at all.

Common administrations include: counsel in leadership meetings, conflict resolution, mentoring, strategic planning, and crisis intervention. Common callings include: church governance, business leadership, family ministry, and legal or ethical decision-making contexts.

James 3:17–18 (NLT ’15)

^[17] But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. ^[18] And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.^§

James 3:18 Or of good things, or of justice.

Faith

The gift of faith goes beyond saving faith to an extraordinary, Spirit-given confidence in God’s power and promises, standing firm when everything visible says otherwise. Someone with this gift has a supernatural ability to trust God for the impossible without wavering. They’re often the ones who say, “I know God is going to do this,” and you believe them, because there’s a weight to their certainty that isn’t manufactured.

When aligned, this gift anchors the entire body of Christ during storms. It inspires courage, fuels perseverance, and opens the door for God to do what only He can do. It’s contagious in the best way. When misaligned, the gift of faith can become presumption. The person assumes that every bold declaration they make is from God, confusing personal ambition with divine promise. It can also produce judgment toward others who struggle to believe, dismissing honest doubt as sin, rather than recognizing it as a place where God often meets people.

Common administrations include: prayer ministry, vision casting, pioneering new ventures, and standing in the gap during crises. Common callings include: church planting, missions, intercession, and ministry in contexts where resources and odds are stacked against you.

Hebrews 10:35–36 (NLT ’15)

^[35] So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! ^[36] Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.

Healing

In the New Testament, Jesus healed constantly, and He commissioned His followers to do the same (Luke 10:9). This healing restores physical, emotional, or spiritual health to people. Paul describes this in the plural in 1 Corinthians 12:9 as “gifts of healings,” suggesting either that each instance of healing is a unique gift or that different people may be used by God to address different types of conditions. Either way, God does the healing, and the person with the gift is the instrument.

When aligned, this gift brings glory to God alone. It meets people at their point of deepest need and demonstrates that God cares about the whole person, not just the soul. It builds faith and draws people to the goodness of The Father. When misaligned, healing becomes a performance, where the healer takes credit, manipulates emotions, or blames the sick person’s “lack of faith” when healing doesn’t occur. Out of balance, it can also lead to a dangerous rejection of medical care, confusing faith with recklessness.

Common administrations include: praying over the sick, healing services, and hospital visitation. Common callings include: medical missions, local church prayer teams, counseling ministries, and outreach to the chronically ill.

Acts 4:30 (NLT ’15)

^[30] Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Miracles

The gift of miracles serves as a channel through which God performs acts that go beyond natural explanation. While healing is a specific type of miracle, this gift encompasses a broader range of supernatural works: provision out of nothing, protection from harm, authority over nature, and divine interventions that defy every known law of physics. For example, Acts 6:8 says that Stephen, “performed amazing miracles and signs among the people,” and Acts 19:11 says, “God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles” that brought about healing and demonic deliverance.

When aligned, miracles shatter the illusion that the material world is all there is. They break open hardened hearts, confirm the authority of God’s Word, and remind everyone present that we serve a God who is not limited by what we consider possible. When misaligned, miracles become spectacle. The focus shifts from “look at what God did” to “look at what I can do.” Out of balance, a person may chase the miraculous for its own sake, turning signs and wonders into an addiction, rather than letting them serve their purpose: pointing people to Jesus.

Common administrations include: powerful encounters in evangelism, crisis intervention, and prayer for impossible situations. Common callings include: unreached people groups, persecuted church contexts, pioneering mission fields, and situations where only a direct act of God will break through.

Jeremiah 32:17, 19–20 (NLT ’15)

^[17] “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! … ^[19] You have all wisdom and do great and mighty miracles. You see the conduct of all people, and you give them what they deserve. ^[20] You performed miraculous signs and wonders in the land of Egypt—things still remembered to this day! And you have continued to do great miracles in Israel and all around the world. You have made your name famous to this day.

Although not explicitly in the passages mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, these are some other widely-accepted gifts:

• Hospitality – Creating welcoming, safe spaces
• Prayer / Intercession – Sustained, focused prayer for others
• Music / Worship – The ability to usher God’s presence into the hearts of others with instruments, vocals, or dance

Some may argue that these aren’t gifts or that they’re sub-categories of the listed gifts. Others still recognize many other gifts sprinkled throughout the Bible in some form or fashion:

• Dreamer / Revelatory – Has God-given dreams or visions with significant meaning
• Dream Interpreter – Interprets meanings of others’ God-given dreams
• Seer – Sees into the spiritual realm in Heaven or on Earth

You may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of gifts listed in this chapter, trying to determine which ones are still applicable today, and maybe even feeling like there is no end to what even could constitute a gift! Rest assured that, as stated before, it’s The Holy Spirit’s job to assign gifts as He wills, not us. So, focus on staying connected with Him, and He’ll take care of the rest.

1 Corinthians 12:11 (NLT ’15)

^[11] It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.

Discover Your Spiritual Gifts by C. Peter Wagner is a practical companion to this chapter because it moves from the theological foundation of spiritual gifts into hands-on discovery and application. Wagner, a respected missionary and church growth leader, wrote this accessible guide to help believers identify their specific gifts through a detailed questionnaire and then understand how to use them effectively in ministry. The book includes descriptions of each gift with real-world examples, guidance on how gifts work together in the body of Christ, and practical steps for developing and deploying your gifts in service to others. If you’re wondering “Okay, but which gifts do I personally have and what should I do with them?” then this book provides a helpful starting place for that conversation with God.

John 17:3–4 (NLT ’15)

^[3] And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. ^[4] I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

A prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for all of the ways that You’ve gifted me through Your Holy Spirit! Help me to understand these gifts and how You want me to use them for Your glory.

Show me how to advance Your Kingdom by serving others in the unique ways you work through me. Help me to stay in alignment with You so that I can operate in Your strength and power and will, not my own.

I don’t mean this as some lofty or ethereal goal, but I want to know specifically for today. Show me where. Show me how. Give me ears to hear Your guiding voice. Give me courage to be obedient in the moment, making way for a Divine encounter.

[Pause and expectantly listen for Him to bring up specifics.]

I surrender all that I am and have to You alone.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen